On Tuesday, North Augusta will be the center of the basketball recruiting world. 24 of the top AAU teams in the will make their way to Riverview Park for the Nike Peach Jam Finals, and hundreds of college coaches will follow.

North Augusta director of Parks and Recreation, Rick Meyer has been involved with the Peach Jam for 17 years and says that every year brings surprises on the court and on the sideline.

“I remember Yao Ming ducking to get in the doors at the activities center,” Meyer said. “We knew he was tall but until you seem him in person you have no idea.”

He continued, “The other story that sticks in my mind is the very first Peach Jam. Dirk Nowitzki played here and quite frankly he was a gangly teenager and not very good.. but look at him right now.”

The Peach Jam begins Tuesday at 2pm with the Nike Sweet 16 Invitational.